Crackdown on crackers

LAHORE - Lahore DIG (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf yesterday directed the city police to launch a special crackdown against the elements involved in the trade of fireworks. He warned that no one would be allowed to create disturbance on the eve of Shab-e-Barat.

A police spokesman said that at least 5000 cops would be deployed around mosques and Imambargahs across the metropolis to provide security cover to the worshippers. Hundreds of police commandoes would be also deployed at different important points including government installations, markets, busy roads, parks, bus stands, and railway station.

The divisional police officers (SPs) were directed to ensure snap-checking at all the entry and exit points of the metropolis. The mobile units of the city police are directed to intensify armed patrolling in the important and sensitive areas.

According to an official handout, the field police officers launched search operations in different parts of the metropolis to hunt down strangers and suspected persons. The police are carrying out security sweep in hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and bus stands to keep a check on anti-social elements, the spokesman said late yesterday night.